Facebook reaches out to celebs, gets slammed by William Shatner

Facebook has rolled out a new app for the rich and famous called Facebook Mentions. Haven’t heard of it? Well it’s probably because you’re not a public figure.The iOS app is specifically for “actors, athletes, musicians and other influencers to discover and join conversations on Facebook.” The app apparently allows these stars to start a conversation with people and influencers.However one star does not seem too happy with the app.Starship Captain and actor William Shatner on his Tumblr page says: “I already have the Facebook App, the Pages App and now the Mentions App is on my device.  So I seem to be in the best position to compare them.”Shatner says when you install the Mentions App you cannot proceed further until you follow another one of their other ‘celebrity’ accounts.“The first person on the list I was given was George Takei (rolling my eyes.)  I ended up choosing Robert Downey Jr. to follow and then I hid his posts (sorry Robert!)  I think that is a big flaw in the set up.  If this app is for celebrities then WHY force them to follow another celebrity in order to set up this app?  I think that is a flaw; I’m already following those who I want to follow - why insist I follow that short list of others?”Shatner goes ahead to do a break down of the features on both Pages and Mentions.His conclusion?"I’m not quite sure why Facebook released this app for “celebrities”.  It seems to be ill conceived.   I will probably use it to post to my Facebook when I’m on my phone but it doesn’t allow for mail or groups.  I will continue to use my regular Facebook App as well as the Pages app," said the celebrity.Meanwhile, Marketing has reached out to Facebook to comment on the monetisation and marketing plans for the app.